landscape really is remarkable, especially when the temperatures dip below zero Fahrenheit. You get a sense there are
these two forces competing for the land as you enter the park
from Gardiner, Montana. Hot gasses, from thermal vents,
along the Gardiner River and at Mammoth, meet the frigid air and form columns of puffy white steam that dance in
the breeze. These columns of steam can transform into thick
blankets of fog, as the temperature drops and the air
becomes still. Walks along Mammoth’s elevated pathways, in these conditions, feel like walks through the
clouds. The pathways seemingly disappear into the
thick fog and trees come into and out of focus as you
walk along the boardwalks. The hiss from the vents
only adds to the unearthly feel of the hot springs.
Winter is also a great time to view wildlife in the park.
The lack of tourist traffic affords visitors the opportunity to slowdown, take in the landscape, and to be on
the lookout for wildlife. The northern roads also offer
great opportunities for viewing elk, bison and moose.
Bison and elk love to travel along the plowed roadways and can be seen along the entire route. While
wildlife can be spotted along the ent